Birding Basics @ Coquille Park (Fall 2026)

Have you ever seen a bird and wondered "what in the world is that?!?" And then you tried to look it up and just got frustrated? If so, this class is for you!

The class is taught by Jane Patterson, current President and Education chair for Baton Rouge Audubon Society. This class will cover the basics needed to get into birdwatching. We'll talk about binoculars and field guides and how to choose and use them. We'll practice identification and skillbuilding. And we'll talk about how to take your newfound skills into the field.

This class will consist of 4 sequential weekly sessions (Sept 22, 29, Oct 6 and 13) that will include lectures and field trips (weather permitting). The classes build on each other, so it is best to attend all 4 classes in order to get the most out of the class.

• Class will be limited to 15 people
• Class will be held in the meeting room in the office of the gym.
• The first 3 bird walks (field trips) will be on site at Coquille.
• The last class and bird walk will be held in Abita Springs at the Abita Springs Nature Center
• I will have binoculars to loan for the bird walks.

For those that have taken the class before, I will be offering a field trip only option this time. The process will be to register for the class as usual to reserve your spot. I will reimburse you 50% of the tuition once the class starts. However, you can be bumped by a first time student. I'm doing this to try to fill all the spots and to offer a chance for repeat students to participate in the field trips.